Want to know why there is a chemical smell in fridge? Well, chemical smells from the fridge mean it’s time to take action. Finding the source of the problem, cleaning it out, and replacing the offending part is necessary to alleviate the smell.
If the chemical smell is due to leaking oil, you’ll need to clean out the condenser coils and replace the compressor.
Alternatively, if it’s due to mold growing through miscellaneous food items in a refrigerator bin or compartment, you’ll need to remove that as well.
Step 1: Take Everything Out
If you’re dealing with a chemical smell in your fridge, the first step is to take everything out. This will help you better assess the source of the problem and give you more room to clean and replace parts as needed.
You’ll want to thoroughly wipe down all surfaces inside your refrigerator with a diluted vinegar solution while it’s empty, so be sure to have paper towels and a spray bottle with vinegar on hand.
Step 2: Handwash Bins and Shelves
Once you’ve taken everything out of your refrigerator, the next step is to handwash any bins or shelves that were inside it.
Use a sponge and mild dish detergent or vinegar solution to clean these items thoroughly, then allow them to air dry completely before putting them back in your fridge.
Step 3: Clean Out Condenser Coils
If the source of the chemical smell in your fridge is due to leaking oil, you’ll need to clean out the condenser coils. Unplug your refrigerator and pull it away from the wall so you can access the coils.
Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove any dirt or debris that’s accumulated on the coils.
Once they’re clean, plug your fridge back in and push it back against the wall.
Step 4: Deodorize the Interior
To deodorize the interior of your fridge, you can use a number of different methods. One is to place an open box of baking soda inside, which will absorb odors over time.
You can also try placing a bowl of white vinegar inside for a few hours, then wiping down the interior with a damp cloth afterward.
Finally, you can make a DIY deodorizing spray by mixing 1 cup of water with 1 cup of vodka and 10 drops of essential oil in a spray bottle.
Step 5: Air it Out
Once you’ve finished cleaning and deodorizing your fridge, the final step is to air it out. Leave the door open for a few hours to allow any lingering odors to dissipate.
If the smell persists, you may need to call a professional appliance repair person to take a look at your fridge.
Reasons Why My Fridge Smells Like Chemicals?
Refrigerators require the aid of certain chemicals to function properly, so it’s not uncommon for a fridge to have a slight chemical smell.
However, if the smell is strong or persistent, there may be an issue with the refrigerator itself.
#1. Refrigerant coolants are leaking
One potential reason for a chemical smell coming from your fridge is that the coolant levels are low. When this happens, the refrigerator has to work harder to keep things cool, which can cause the chemicals in the coolant to break down and leak out.
Freon
Fridge coolants contain Freon, which is a synthetic chemical that can quickly leak out of the refrigerator and cause a strong chemical smell. If your fridge smells like chemicals, check the seals on the door to see if they are damaged or broken.
Also check for any cracks in your fridge’s interior lining, as these can also allow coolant to escape and are the most likely cause of a strong chemical smell in your fridge.
#2. Gases are being emitted
Another potential reason for a chemical smell coming from your fridge is that it could be emitting gases. This is usually due to an issue with the fridge’s sealant or insulation, which can allow chemicals to seep out and cause a strong smell.
#3. Contaminated evaporator fan
The role of an evaporator fan in your fridge is to circulate air to keep the interior of the fridge cool. If this fan becomes contaminated, it can cause a chemical smell to be emitted from the fridge.
#4. Newly-bought parts
If your fridge was recently purchased or serviced, it’s possible that the new parts could be causing a chemical smell. This is often due to the off-gassing of chemicals used during their manufacture and installation.
#5. Cleaning products
Some cleaning products, such as bleach or ammonia, can emit chemicals that can linger in the fridge.
If you recently cleaned the inside of your fridge with these products, this may be contributing to the chemical smell.
Natural Remedies To Get Rid Of Bad Smells In Your Fridge
If you are looking for natural remedies Fridge. this is the perfect article for you.
Here are some common sense and easy tips that can help you get rid of bad smells in your fridge:
Cloves
Place some cloves in a pot, add just enough water to cover them, and boil for 15 minutes. This method works really well for food smells.
Place air fresheners in the fridge
You can purchase special air fresheners that are designed to be used in the fridge. These can help neutralize bad smells and keep your fridge smelling fresh.
Vinegar
You can also try placing a vinegar-soaked cloth inside the fridge for several hours. This will help neutralize odors and leave your fridge smelling fresh.
Lemon
Lemons are another natural ingredient you can use to get rid of bad smells in your fridge. You can place a lemon-soaked cloth inside the fridge or simply slice up a few lemons and leave them on the shelves for several hours.
This will help neutralize odors and leave your fridge smelling fresh.
Potatoes
Some people swear by the effectiveness of potatoes when it comes to getting rid of bad smells in the fridge. You can place a potato-soaked cloth inside the fridge or simply place several cut-up potatoes in an open bowl on the shelf for several hours.
This will help neutralize odors and leave your fridge smelling fresh.
Final Verdict – Chemical Smell in Fridge
I hope this guide has clean all your doubts about the chemical smell in fridge and guided you with the right solution. Follow our blog to read more articles like these.
